Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

This course provides an introduction to the professional field of physical therapy and the role of the physical therapist assistant in the health care system. Legal and ethical questions are discussed as well as interpersonal communication skills, personality types, and the importance of empathy and respect for all patients. Students are introduced to medical terminology, documentation, and case studies in PT. A semester long service learning project is included to improve active listening skills and personal awareness. Prerequisite: Reading Proficiency.

PTA 104. Clinical Experience I. 2 Credit Hours.

Students will have the opportunity to practice communication, interpersonal, technical and administrative skills acquired in the first year of study in a clinical facility under the direction and supervision of a licensed clinical instructor for three weeks. Prerequisites: PTA 105 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency.

PTA 105. Fundamentals of Patient Care for the PTA. 4 Credit Hours.

This course is an introduction to the basic patient care skills in physical therapy. Treatment procedures include patient positioning, transfer techniques, massage, gait with and without assistive devices, wheelchair management and architectural barriers. Emphasis throughout is on safety, the preparation of the patient physically and psychologically, appropriate PTA/patient interaction, and patient/caregiver teaching. Additional lab hours required. Prerequisites: PTA 214 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency.

PTA 208. Health Occupation Seminar. 2 Credit Hours.

This course is a study of the health care system and the role of PTA within it. Topics include health care organizations; department policies and procedures; evidence based research; professionalism; legal and ethical issues, community resources, documentation, billing, and coding; and application for licensure and work. Prerequisites: PTA 104 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency.

PTA 211. Physical Agents. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides PTA students with scientific knowledge and clinical application skills required to safely and efficiently provide treatment under the direction of a PT with the following physical agents thermal agents, compression therapies, traction, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, light and sound agents, and electrotherapeutic modalities. Additional lab hours required. Prerequisites: PTA 105 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency.

This course covers data collection and intervention techniques used by the PTA under the direction and supervision of the PT in the treatment of arthritis, postural abnormalities, extremity and spinal dysfunctions, abnormal gait, cardiopulmonary conditions, and amputations. The principles and application of prosthetic and orthotic devices will also be included. Additional hours required. Prerequisites: PTA 105 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency.

This course includes data collection and treatment intervention techniques performed by the PTA under the direction and supervision of the PT for pediatric and neurological conditions. The role of the PTA in assisting the PT to identify community integration barriers for clients with physical disabilities will also be discussed. Additional lab hours required. Prerequisites: PTA 212 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency.

An introductory course on data collection and intervention techniques used by the PTA which includes vital signs, sterile techniques, dressing changes, emergency procedures, goniometry, muscle testing, cardiovascular response to exercise, and gait. In addition the basic concepts of exercise and techniques to develop flexibility, strength, power, and endurance will be taught. Additional lab hours required. Prerequisites: BIO 209 with a grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in BIO 209 and Reading Proficiency.

PTA 215. Medical Conditions in Rehabilitation. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an overview of disease conditions commonly seen for treatment in physical therapy departments. Prerequisites: BIO 207 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency.

PTA 216. Clinical Education IIA. 4 Credit Hours.

Students will have the opportunity to practice skills acquired in the first and second year of the program in a clinical facility under the direction and supervision of a clinical instructor for 6 weeks. Prerequisites: PTA 213 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency.

PTA 217. Clinical Education IIB. 4 Credit Hours.

Students will have the opportunity to practice skills acquired in the first and second year of the program in clinical facility under the direction and supervision of a clinical instructor 6 weeks. Prerequisites: PTA 216 with a grade of "C" or better and Reading Proficiency.